Sustainable Engineering Materials
- ISSN: 3105-1960 (print) Impact Factor:Request pending
- ISSN: 3105-1979 (online) Publication Frequency:Three issues per year
About the Journal
Sustainable Engineering Materials (SUEM; Sustain. Eng. Mat.) is an interdisciplinary journal publishing original research covering all aspects of science and technology concerned with Sustainable Engineering Materials.With the development of the journal, the publication frequency of Sustainable Structures was two issues per year for 2025, three times a year from 2026. The scope of the journal is devoted to reports of new and original experimental and theoretical research as well as the sustainable applications in the areas of engineering materials. Journal publications include mainly as following: Reviews, Research Papers, Technical notes, Meeting Reports, and Case Reports. With publication fees supported by Sustainable Development Press Limited (SDPL), SUEM is an open access but free international journal focusing on the study of sustainable engineering materials. PDF versions of all papers published in the journal could be downloaded freely from the journal website!
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- Size effect on the compressive properties of wood-plastic composite
- Sustainable Engineering Materials Vol.1,No.2,2025 DOI:10.54113/j.suem.2025.000010 Online published:2025-12-17
- Abstract Wood-plastic composite (WPC) is a kind of composite material made from a mixture of natural plant materials such as wood fibers or wood powder and special additives. The compressive strength is one of the main mechanical properties of WPC, which can be influenced by many factors. In this paper, the size effect is investigated by testing WPC specimens with proportional size and the same cross-section and different heights. The effect of specimen size on load bearing capacity, deformation capacity and strain distribution was analyzed. Based on the test data, three groups of stress-strain models for WPC were proposed. Based on Weibull brittle fracture theory, the relationship between the volume (height) parameter and compressive strength is calculated and analyzed by the parameter method, which can serve as a reference for research in related fields.… More
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- A review of sargassum seaweeds' application in the development of eco-friendly building materials
- Sustainable Engineering Materials Vol.1,No.2,2025 DOI:10.54113/j.suem.2025.000012 Online published:2025-12-17
- Abstract The recent influx of sargassum seaweeds is exerting adverse ecological and socioeconomic footprints on coastal communities in the Caribbean and West African countries. These recurring events have gained worldwide attention, paving the way for intense research and management efforts. Sargassum seaweeds possess several compounds and derivatives, which make them useful additions in the textile, food, pharmaceutical, biofuel, agriculture, chemicals, cosmetics, and medical sectors. Unfortunately, limited studies detail the application of these seaweeds in construction, where environmentally friendly materials with low embodied energy are currently desirable. This article focuses on the practical use and previous work of researchers on sargassum seaweed in construction, focusing on building materials. The study employed a rigorous approach to obtain relevant studies. It highlighted the various compositions and derivatives after sargassum biomass valorizing and their influence on the properties of building materials. Although this article will serve as a reference for practitioners and future research, it also reveals the resourcefulness of sargassum seaweeds in the development of sustainable materials for construction applications.… More
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- Influence of soil characteristics on the compressive strength of cement-stabilized earth blocks: statistical and machine learning insights
- Sustainable Engineering Materials Vol.1,No.2,2025 DOI:10.54113/j.suem.2025.000011 Online published:2025-12-17
- Abstract This study investigates using machine learning techniques to predict the compressive strength of cement-stabilized earth blocks (CSEBs). CSEBs are a promising sustainable construction material, but their compressive strength depends on various soil characteristics. Accurately predicting this strength is crucial for design and construction purposes. The research analyzes the influence of several soil properties, including particle size distribution, Atterberg limits, and compaction test results, on the compressive strength of CSEBs. For this purpose, experimental program was conducted using nine different soils and three different cement contents to prepare the CSEBs. Additionally, it explores the efficacy of an Artificial Neural Network (ANN) model in predicting this strength based on these soil characteristics. The findings reveal that cement content significantly impacts compressive strength, followed by other factors like the coefficient of curvature, sand content, and liquid limit. Utilizing SHAP (SHapley Additive exPlanations) analysis allows for interpreting the model and identifying the key features influencing its predictions. Focusing on a reduced set of crucial features identified through SHAP analysis can maintain acceptable prediction accuracy while reducing data acquisition efforts. This research signifies the potential of machine learning, particularly ANN models, for accurately predicting the compressive strength of CSEBs based on their soil properties. This advancement can contribute to the efficient and sustainable development of constructions utilizing CSEBs.… More
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- Influence of recycled materials as partial replacement of natural sand on the behavior of sustainable concrete
- Sustainable Engineering Materials Vol.1,No.2,2025 DOI:10.54113/j.suem.2025.000009 Online published:2025-12-17
- Abstract The primary goal of the current paper is to evaluate the viability of the sustainable concrete (S.C) made of waste glass sand (WGS) and waste plastic sand (WPS). This paper looks at concrete mixtures as follow: the first group (5%, 10%, and 15%) WGS as the sand replacement and Group Two (5%, 10%, and 15%) WPS as a natural sand replacement, and finally, group three HRS where, (5%, 10%, and 15%) of WSP/WGS were evaluated as sand substitutes. Tests were done on the concrete to ensure that the tested concrete's behavior was within expectations. Among these tests are the slump test, compressive strength test, indirect tensile strength test, flexural strength, and elastic modulus test. The results showed that using WGS and WPS together improved the slump of the concrete mixtures. Adding WPS or HRS to concrete mixes enhanced the mechanical properties, and Compressive strength increased, reaching a maximum of 52.05 MPa after partially substituting natural sand with WGS-10% of sand. And finally, when replacement ratios were high, the results showed that the concrete's compressive strength decreased when WGS-15% and WPS-15 % were substituted at 9.85% and 14.45% respectively.… More
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- Enhancing water resistance of PET composite board with spent garnet and sand
- Sustainable Engineering Materials Vol.1,No.2,2025 DOI:10.54113/j.suem.2025.000008 Online published:2025-12-17
- Abstract This study focuses on the development and optimisation of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) composite boards incorporating spent garnet (SG) and sand as fillers to enhance water resistance and overall performance. The experimental design was conducted using Response Surface Methodology (RSM) under the Central Composite Design (CCD) framework to evaluate the effects of two key parameters: the binder-to-filler ratio and the SG-to-sand ratio. A total of thirteen experimental runs were performed to examine compressive strength, thermal conductivity, and water absorption. The inclusion of SG up to an optimum proportion improved matrix densification and reduced water uptake. Among the developed statistical models, the water-absorption model achieved an R² value of 0.97, demonstrating strong predictive reliability. The optimum mix composition produced a minimum water-absorption value of 0.30%, significantly lower than the >0.50% reported for conventional PET composites. The optimisation process yielded a desirability value of 1.000, confirming model adequacy. The optimised PET–SG–sand composite exhibited enhanced moisture resistance and thermal stability, demonstrating the potential of utilising industrial-waste SG as a sustainable filler for PET-based construction materials.… More
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- Sustainability assessment of marine RC structures containing mid to high volume supplementary cementitious materials
- Sustainable Engineering Materials Vol.1,No.2,2025 DOI:10.54113/j.suem.2025.000007 Online published:2025-12-17
- Abstract Reinforced Concrete (RC) structures in marine environments deteriorate rapidly due to chloride-induced corrosion, requiring performance-based mix and cover design for environmental sustainability and reduced life-cycle costs (LCC). A probabilistic performance-based framework is presented in this study to predict and compare the service life, LCC and equivalent carbon dioxide emissions (CO2-e) of concrete mixes with different binder compositions in harsh marine exposures. Concrete mixes with varying proportions of supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) like fly ash and slag were tested for strength, chloride diffusion, and electrical resistivity. Using the results, a probabilistic analysis was conducted on a typical coastal structure with a 50-year design service life considering a range of commonly practiced covers. The time-dependent failure probabilities for initiation and propagation were evaluated using Monte Carlo Simulation, applying patch repair when the first corrosion-induced crack appears. Material Sustainability Indicators (MSI) were assessed in terms of LCC and lifetime carbon emissions. The findings demonstrate that a 25% fly ash replacement notably enhanced the cost-effectiveness of structures by delaying the time to cracking and reducing the repair frequency. Combined with larger cover, high volume replacement led to a reduction of around 60% in CO2 emissions. This research highlights the need for performance-based mix designs to minimize long-term costs and environmental impact for RC structures in harsh, marine exposure.… More
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- Utilization of Cement Kiln Dust and Aluminum Powder as Partial Cement Replacement in Sustainable High-Performance Concrete
- Sustainable Engineering Materials Vol.1,No.1,2025 DOI:10.54113/j.suem.2025.000006 Online published:2025-7-31
- Abstract This research presents a procedure for further evaluation of the Effect of incorporating cement kiln dust (CKD) and aluminum powder (AP) on the mechanical features of the concrete. CKD and AW were converted into powder materials and used as a partial substitution of cement in concrete mixes at 0%, 10%, 15%, and 20% proportions. The properties focused on included the fresh and hardened characteristics of the concrete. Utilization of the slump test allowed the assessment of the workability of the fresh mixes, and after 28 days of curing, the hardened properties to be evaluated included compressive strength, flexural strength, splitting strength, and dry shrinkage. The replacement of the control, including a reduction in the level of CKD and AP replacement materials up to 10% has been shown to enhance the improvement of structural mechanical properties of concrete. Similarly, progressive replacement levels of 15% and 20% improved these properties slightly. Replacement of 10% resulted in a 22.92% increase in compressive strength of the specimen as opposed to 0% replacement specimens (Control), and this increase was observed in the rest of the mechanical properties as well. Besides, the incorporation of material replacement additives helped reduce shrinkage. The results of this study favour the formulation of "green" concrete with improved mechanical properties and reduced environmental impact in the building construction industry.… More
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- Study on splitting tensile toughness of seawater sea sand concrete reinforced with bamboo sticks
- Sustainable Engineering Materials Vol.1,No.1,2025 DOI:10.54113/j.suem.2025.000005 Online published:2025-7-26
- Abstract Concrete is a typical material with high compressive strength but weak tensile strength. But the tensile strength affects the formation and development of cracks in concrete, so it is an essential factor in the practical application of concrete. Concrete can be enhanced its tensile strength by incorporating sticks with good tensile resistance, and bamboo stick is a good choice. This paper conducted a series of comparative tests (64 specimens) on splitting tensile strength of bamboo stick reinforced seawater sea-sand concrete (BFRSSC). The effects of volume fraction, length-diameter ratio, and diameter of bamboo stick were studied, and the specimen’s load-displacement and load-strain curves under different variables were analyzed. The result shows that the impact of stick volume fraction on splitting tensile behavior is the most obvious, while the bamboo stick diameter has the least impact on it. In addition, this paper also analyzes the toughening mechanism of bamboo stick and gives the regression model of splitting tensile strength of bamboo stick-reinforced seawater sea sand concrete, in order to lay a theoretical foundation for the promotion of bamboo stick in marine materials.… More
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- Design, manufacture, and mechanical performance analysis of LVS structural plywood
- Sustainable Engineering Materials Vol.1,No.1,2025 DOI:10.54113/j.suem.2025.000004 Online published:2025-7-26
- Abstract This paper focuses on Laminated Veneer Sandwich (LVS) structural plywood, systematically expounding its structural design and key production processes, and comparatively analyzing the mechanical properties such as elastic modulus of LVS and Laminated Veneer Lumber (LVL) through dynamic and static testing methods. LVS uses populus deltoides LVL as the core layer and Medium-Density Fiberboard (MDF) as the surface layer, adopts a "transverse-longitudinal-transverse" cross-grain composite structure, and is made through processes such as gluing, blanking, and cold pressing, effectively integrating the mechanical strength of LVL and the surface performance of MDF.Dynamic test results show that the ratio of longitudinal to transverse elastic modulus of LVS is only 13% of that of LVL, indicating that LVS is closer to an isotropic material and significantly superior to LVL in the balance of longitudinal and transverse mechanical properties. Static four-point bending tests further confirm that LVS not only has higher deformation resistance, but also has better surface flatness and coating compatibility, fully meeting the requirements of GB/T 17657—2013 and GB/T 11718—2009 standards.The research shows that LVS realizes the efficient utilization of fast-growing populus deltoides through optimizing structural design and process parameters, has broad application prospects in construction, furniture, decoration and other fields, and is of great significance for promoting the upgrading of China's wood processing industry and achieving a win-win situation of economic and social benefits.… More
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- Improving sustainability and compressive strength of fiber reinforced concrete by adding granite powder waste as paste replacement
- Sustainable Engineering Materials Vol.1,No.1,2025 DOI:10.54113/j.suem.2025.000003 Online published:2025-7-26
- Abstract Fiber reinforced concrete (FRC) typically has large cementitious paste volume and high cementitious content that lead to relatively large carbon footprint and inferior sustainability. Nevertheless, it is envisaged that this problem of FRC may be resolved by adding granite powder waste (GPW) to replace an equal volume of cementitious paste so as to reduce the cement consumption and carbon footprint, recycle the GPW, and thus improve the sustainability. Herein, a series of FRC mixes incorporating polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) fibers and added with GPW to replace part of cementitious paste were produced and tested. The results showed that such paste replacement could reduce the cement consumption by as much as 20%, increase the compressive strength by up to 11%, but decrease the flexural strength by up to 7%. Put together, this could reduce the carbon footprint by as much as 18%, and increase the compressive strength/carbon footprint ratio and flexural strength/carbon footprint ratio by approximately 26% and 19%, respectively. Correlation analysis revealed that the fresh and hardened performances of FRC are highly dependent on its packing density and water film thickness.… More
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- Evaluation of the durability of the exterior siding products made with trembling aspen lumber in terms of colour change
- Sustainable Engineering Materials Vol.1,No.1,2025 DOI:10.54113/j.suem.2025.000002 Online published:2025-7-26
- Abstract Trembling aspen (Populus tremuloides) is known for its rapid growth and wide distribution in Alberta, Canada, but its uses in non-structural wood products are limited. This study was aimed at assessing the feasibility of using aspen lumber for producing wood siding products and their durability in terms of colour change (ΔE). Both short-term natural exposure and artificial accelerated weathering tests were conducted on the aspen wood sidings produced and pressure-treated on a production line. The spruce-pine-fir (S-P-F) sidings were used as control. It was found that (1) both short-term natural and artificial accelerated weathering tests resulted in an increase in average ΔE of the siding specimens, exhibiting surface greying and darkening. (2) Finished trembling aspen siding specimens consistently exhibited greater colour stability than finished S-P-F ones. (3) Both finished trembling aspen and S-P-F siding specimens had smaller ΔE values than unfinished ones, suggesting the finishing employed in this study effectively protected surface colour.… More
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- One-dimensional charring rate of Glulam manufactured from Malagangai (Potoxylon melagangai) species treated with fire retardant
- Sustainable Engineering Materials Vol.1,No.1,2025 DOI:10.54113/j.suem.2025.000001 Online published:2025-7-26
- Abstract This study investigates the one-dimensional charring behavior of glued laminated timber (glulam) manufactured from Malagangai (Potoxylon melagangai) under standard fire exposure conditions. Specifically, the research evaluates the effectiveness of a fire-retardant coating in enhancing the fire resistance of glulam. The fire retardant used in this study is a waterborne, transparent formulation designed for application on both newly processed and preservative-treated timber surfaces, offering an additional layer of protection against fire. To assess the fire performance of both treated and untreated glulam specimens, a fire resistance test was conducted in accordance with ISO 834 (equivalent to BS 476: Part 20). The charring rate of the specimens was measured based on the guidelines outlined in EN 13381-7:2014. The experimental findings indicate that while the application of the fire-retardant coating provides some level of protection, its impact on reducing the charring rate is relatively minor. The treated glulam exhibited a charring rate of 0.58 mm/min, whereas the untreated specimen had a slightly higher charring rate of 0.63 mm/min. Both values are lower than the standard charring rate of 0.65 mm/min prescribed in Eurocode 5. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the fire performance of tropical hardwood-based glulam and highlight the need for further research into optimizing fire-retardant treatments to enhance the fire resistance.… More
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